The United Kingdom is set to lead its largest trade mission to the United States, known as Greater Together LA, from May 18 to 22, 2026. This initiative will be spearheaded by Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, and aims to strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
Greater Together LA is expected to be a significant event, showcasing the robust US-UK partnership, which boasts an investment stock of approximately $1.5 trillion and a trading relationship valued at $437 billion. The mission will also highlight the 2.6 million jobs supported by this partnership, emphasizing the mutual benefits derived from collaboration.
During the event, a two-day thought leadership summit will be held, sponsored by PwC UK, with the theme “Unexpected Connections.” This summit will feature 30 headline voices, including key figures from both the UK and US, who will discuss innovative strategies and shared values in business and trade.
The UK Government’s GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign is organizing the expo, which aims to promote the creativity and innovation shared by the two countries. Sean Doyle, CEO of British Airways, expressed pride in supporting this campaign, stating, “British Airways is proud to support the GREAT campaign as we celebrate the creativity and innovation shared by the United Kingdom and United States.”
American Airlines is also joining in this effort, with CEO Robert Isom affirming their commitment to strengthening the partnership, saying, “American Airlines is proud to join British Airways in supporting the GREAT campaign and strengthening the deep partnership between our brands, the United States and the United Kingdom.”
In addition to the trade mission, the UK has the responsibility of chairing the P5 Process for the upcoming 2026 NPT Review Conference, which will take place from April 27 to May 22 at the United Nations HQ in New York. This conference is crucial for discussing global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Darren Jones, a senior figure in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, highlighted the importance of this trade mission in the context of the UK’s evolving economic and cultural relationship with the US. He noted that the UK Labour party has learned valuable lessons from Australian leaders Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, which could inform their approach to international trade.
As the UK prepares for this significant trade mission, reactions from various stakeholders indicate a strong commitment to fostering economic growth and collaboration. Marco Amitrano, a representative from PwC, remarked, “The UK and US share a unique economic and cultural relationship – one that continues to evolve through investment, innovation and the creation of high-quality jobs.”
